How to Make a Rainbow Mermaid in 10 Straightforward Steps

If you love mermaids, then this is the project for you! You will learn how to make the undersea creature we call a mermaid. In 10 straightforward steps, you'll have an outstanding rainbow mermaid as a decoration at your party!

This project takes about 2-3 hours, so make sure you have enough time.

If something goes wrong while you're making your mermaid, don't worry. You can check the TIPS at the end of this Instructable. There may be a solution.

So what are we waiting for? Let's dive in!

Supplies

To make your mermaid, you'll need:

- White clay (I used Crayola Model Magic.)

- Ribbon and/or paint (I used Handmade Modern and Offary.)

- Markers and/or glitter glue (I used Craylola and Crazy Art Markers and Elmer's glitter glue.)

- Placemat or wax paper

Step 1: Shape the Lower Tail

*Before you start to make your mermaid, put down a placemat or wax paper to avoid sticking.

Shape a small amount of white clay into a triangle for the mermaid’s lower part of the tail.

Step 2: Cut the Lower Tail.

Use your pointer finger to make an indentation on your lower tail. You should have a “v” shape.

Step 3: Forming the Upper Tail and Connecting

Use a medium amount of clay to form a “carrot” shape, skinny to thick.This is your upper tail. Connect the skinniest part of your upper tail to the skinniest part of your lower tail. Now, you have the mermaid’s full tail.

Step 4: Making the Body

NOW THAT WE HAVE THE TAIL, WE HAVE TO MAKE THE BODY!!!

Form a medium-sized square for the body, and connect it to the tail. Then make two slightly longer snakes for arms, and two tiny balls for hands. Connect the arms and hands to the rest of the body.

Step 5: Making the Neck

Using a very, very, very, VERY small amount of clay, make a tiny snake for the neck.

Step 6: Making the Head and Connecting

THE BODY’S DONE FOR NOW, SO LET’S MAKE THE HEAD!!!

Using a small amount of clay, form a circle for the head. Connect the neck to the head and that to the body.

Step 7: Forming the Hair

LET’S MOVE ON FOR NOW AND MAKE THE HAIR!!!

*The hair can be made in different ways. Here is the way I like to do it.

Using a fair amount of clay, make the shape of a bell.

Step 8: Making Detailed Hair

With your nail, you can make indentations in your “bell” shape to make wavy hair, and you can make tiny, swirly lines to make it look of curly hair. Connect the hair to the head.

*I know it is not obvious, but I did use my nail to make curls.

Step 9: Extra Details

MY FAVORITE PART: DETAILS!!!

You can use your ribbon and/or paint to make the tail different colors, and you can also use markers and/or glitter glue to draw any details to make your mermaid unique. Be creative!!!

*If your ribbon slips, you can glue it with any glue.

Step 10: The FINAL Step!!!

Now, you can add to the hair, body, tail, or anything you want!!!

P.S.-If you want, you can name your mermaid and make a name tag out of cardboard or paper and add markers, paint, or glitter glue. I did not put paper or cardboard in the materials because it is optional. I attached a picture of my glow in the dark name tag for my mermaid.

Now, you have a marvelous mermaid for your party! Great job!!! I hope you enjoyed making your mermaid!

TIPS:

-If your clay dries too quickly, don't worry. You can hot glue your pieces together at the end.

-If your ribbon starts slipping, you can use any glue to secure it.

-If any pieces you make don't look like mine, reread the directions to make sure you understood them.

Make sure to add tips and comment on any steps you liked or disliked, and tell me anything that I could do better next time!!! Also ask questions about anything you're unsure about.